Ahoy, matey. Even the most confirmed landlubbers will be transformed into savvy sea dogs after boarding one of Mystic Seaport's many historic vessels. From the world's last wooden whaleship, the Charles W. Morgan, to the last example of early 20th-century New England fishing vessels, the L.A. Dunton, these vessels offer a glimpse of long-past seafaring days.

And you can do a lot more than just look. Take a cruise along the historic Mystic River aboard the 1908 steamboat Sabino, who is celebrating her 100th birthday this year. Help set a sail aboard the full-rigged Joseph Conrad. Or, participate in our ever-popular "Dead Horse Ceremony."

The Charles W. Morgan is towed to the Henry B. DuPont Preservation Shipyard at Mystic Seaport to begin a three-year restoration effort.

The Morgan's $5 million restoration project will renew areas of the vessel from the waterline down to below the turn of her bilge, including parts that haven't been seen since she was built more than 160 years ago.

A National Historic Landmark and the Museum's signature vessel, the Morgan was built in 1841 in New Bedford, MA. During her 80-year whaling career, she made 37 voyages across the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans. In 1941, the Morgan came to Mystic Seaport where millions of visitors have since walked her decks.

Video edited by: Brandon Morgan

Olin J. Stephens II, America's preeminent yacht designer of the 20th century -- died September 13, 2008 -- five months to the day after celebrating his 100th birthday.

Widely recognized as the most respected, admired and accomplished yacht designer of the 20th century, Stephens once said, "I was lucky: I had a goal. As far back as I can remember, I wanted to design fast boats." And this is exactly what he did. He began his career at the age of 19 working as an apprentice for successful 6-meter yacht designer Phillip Rhodes. On November 11,1929, the 21-year-old Stephens joined forces with well-known yacht broker Drake Sparkman and Sparkman & Stephens, Inc. was formed. The naval architecture and yacht design firm's first major design -- a yacht named Dorade -- won the much-publicized 1931Trans-Atlantic Race. She then went on to win the 1936 TransPac, finishing first in class and first overall. A new era of yacht design had begun.

Stephens' name is most often associated with the prestigious America's Cup Race. In 1937, he collaborated with W. Starling Burgess to design the Super-J, Ranger, which was later selected to defend the Cup after only seven races. Sparkman & Stephens went on to design many of the most revered 12-Meters that raced for the Cup, including Columbia, Constellation, Freedom, Intrepid and Courageous. In 1993, Stephens' and his winning designs were honored when he was inducted into the America's Cup Hall of Fame.

Stephens designed more than 2,000 boats throughout his career, many of which still grace the water today. After eight decades of brilliant work, he has left a lasting impact on the maritime community. His numerous designs, contributions and commitment to the worlds of yacht racing and cruising are cherished, as is he.

This video is a tribute to his life and legacy.

Learn more about Stephens' life and career in his autobiography, All This and Sailing, Too.

Renewal of championship model racing will occur at the 2008 Model Yacht Regatta on Mystic Seaport's waterfront August 21 - 24. It will feature radio-controlled (R/C) model classes as sanctioned by the American Model Yachting Association (AMYA) with the support of its U.S. Vintage Model Yacht Group (VMYG). A total of 60 R/C models and skippers will compete on race courses with marker buoys using highly-honed racing tactics. These models are based on well-known classic designs, such as Star, 12-Meter and J boats. Mystic Seaport's R/C Laser fleet will be available for visitors to experience hands-on model yachting. More information on this sport is on the AMYA web site: www.ModelYacht.org

This video was produced in 2004 following the 5th Annual Model Yacht Regatta.

It's a party on the green all weekend long with food, music and activities for the whole family. Enjoy an a la carte menu while raising a glass to toast Sabino on 100 years well served. Don't forget to leave room for cake!

Celebrate the power of steam and enjoy steamers and Steamboat Ale from our Grill-on-the-Green, observe how steam engines operate in the Henry B. duPont Preservation Shipyard and watch as steam-powered cars are driven through the Museum grounds.

Get the whole family involved in games on our Village Green, try your hand at a variety of craft projects and test your skill while playing with toys from long ago.

Video Produced by: Brandon Morgan

Come to Mystic Seaport for a gathering of classic vehicles just like any other, except this one happens to take place on the water!

The Antique & Classic Boat Rendezvous is a dazzling display of high-quality antique vessels built before 1965, including cruisers, sailboats, runabouts, launches and more. An award competition recognizes excellence in restoration, authenticity and workmanship.

This year's Antique & Classic Boat Rendezvous honors our own steamboat Sabino, the 57-foot coal-fired steamer and National Historic Landmark vessel built 100 years ago in East Boothbay, Maine. She entered service in 1908 for the Damariscotta Steamboat Company, delivering vacationing passengers, or "rusticators" to the numerous hotels and boarding houses along the 12 miles of the scenic Damariscotta River.

Sabino was retired in 1975 and began a new era of passenger service at Mystic Seaport. The significant restoration and meticulous care she received at the Museum was recognized in 1992 when Congress designated Sabino a National Historic Landmark.

Dressed and in pristine condition, approximately 50 classic vessels create a colorful gathering along the Museum's waterfront all day Saturday and Sunday morning for your viewing pleasure. Sunday at 12:45 p.m., Sabino leads the vessels in a jubilant, costume- and music-filled three-mile parade down the Mystic River.

July 26-27, 2008 - Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Downriver Parade Begins Sunday at 12:45 p.m.


Video produced by: Brandon Morgan

Ahoy, matey! Join us for an afternoon of family fun during April school vacation week. Save your energy for the pirate treasure hunt -- fun for the whole family. A special Planetarium program teaches how pirates navigated the high seas. And make your own special Pirate Day souvenir!

Music for this episode performed by Mystic Seaport Chanteyman Ken Sweeney.

The holidays are here and Mystic Seaport is all dressed up for the season.  Over 150 handmade and decorated wreaths are on display throughout the Museum grounds.  Preparations begin early and correspondent Dan Harvison is here to tell you all about it.